Moringa oleifera is a plant that successfully grows recently in Egypt and has rich of nutrients seeds
with valuable content of edible oil. The present study aimed at determining the physicochemical
properties of moringa seeds and their extracted oil of which cultivated at different regions in
Egypt. Obtained results revealed that protein, lipid, ash, fiber and total carbohydrate contents
were in range of 34.51% - 36.5%, 28.62% - 30.06%, 4.22% - 5.06%, 10.92% - 12.16% and 19.00%
- 20.29%, respectively. Consequently, caloric value was around 450.36 - 451.32 kcal 100 g−1 for
dried moringa seeds. As confirmed, dried moringa seeds are considered as a rich source of dietary
minerals. TPCs content of M. oleifera seed were ranged from 16.9 - 18.5 mg GAE g−1 dw. The antioxidants
activity was in a range of 0.17 - 0.28 μmol TE g−1 dw (DPPH scavenging activity) and was
in a range of 4.19 - 6.29 μmol TE g−1 dw (ABTS scavenging activity). The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll
b, carotenoids, flavonoids and flavonols contents were ranged from 0.93 to 1.78, 4.89 to 8.41,
13.53 to 19.56 mg g−1 dw, 3.30 to 5.40 and 2.30 to 4.10 mg QE g−1 dw, respectively. Obviously, the
individual essential amino acids (EAAs) and nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) recorded higher
contents when compared to referenced protein. Total AA showed in triple amount in moringa
protein when compared FAO standard. The acid value, iodine value, unsaponificable matter, peroxide
value, refractive index, saponification value of cold pressed moringa seeds oil found to be
0.29 - 0.37 mg·g−1, 65.7 - 67.5, 0.60 to 0.74 g 100 g−1, 1.67 - 2.47 mEq/Kg, 1.4607 - 1.4613, 171.7 to
178.3 mg KOH g−1, respectively. Clearly, the unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) contents of M. oleifera
edible oils were 77.14% - 84.98%, especially oleic (73.30% - 79.58%). On contrary, the saturated
fatty acids (SFA) recorded 15.00% - 22.83% where palmitic and stearic acids were the predominant
SFA. The results of oil physicochemical parameters were compared with those of commercial
oils. It could be illustrated that moringa seeds and its oil considered as a good source for dietary nutraceuticals and valuable characteristics for potential nutritional and technological applications. |
